For dedicated Ferrari fans, certain numbers hold special significance. Twelve—as in, the proper number of cylinders from a front-mounted engine. Sixteen (and counting), describing the number of constructor’s championships won by the brand’s motorsport division since 1947. Sixty, for the number of years between the celebrated Italian company’s founding and the production of this car, a late-model 2007 Ferrari 599 GTB, highly desirable for one reason: A six-speed manual gearbox.
2007 Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
Estimate: $500,000 - $650,000
Serial No. 150861
Chassis No. ZFFFC60A970150861
Our brief tour through the features and finishes on this 599 GTB begins at the same place as any modern Ferrari sports car, the all-important options list. Perhaps the most significant determinant on the future value of any supercar begins with a similar list; well-optioned examples will always be more desirable among their peers when it comes time to sell. The priciest item on the official vehicle invoice for this example was the Carboceramic Brake System co-developed by Brembo, an $18,550 accessory.
The futuristic braking system freed up 33lbs of unsprung weight from the wheels, which unlocked even more roadgoing capability and steering feel from the already-nimble 599 GTB. The year after this example was delivered new to noted Ferrari dealership The Auto Gallery in Woodland Hills, CA, Ferrari decided to make the brake system a no-cost optional extra across their model line, instantly validating the foresight of this Fiorano’s first owner. The only other brake-related accessory was a choice in color; the original owner wished to highlight the advanced braking system, opting to paint the calipers yellow.
Two other choices set this example apart. The first is the optional Grigio Silverstone exterior paint choice, which gives this grand touring Ferrari a supremely tasteful appearance. This example’s grey exterior color is mirrored in the stitching on its black leather interior with the optional Daytona-style seats, a supple leather trim which extends to the luggage compartment, all specified on the original options list. Adding a final flourish to the 599 GTB’s in-cabin comforts, the $3,260 Bose hi-fi stereo system was specified, as well as the high-end, six-disc Becker Silverstone CD player, in another coincidental nod to that great U.K. racetrack.
Also included with the sale are a treasure trove of factory accessories, including the Schedoni leather tow hook kit, the original owner’s manual, and a complete list of up-to-date service receipts. Other accessories include the official Ferrari battery tender and windshield sun reflector. A brand-new pair of Ferrari-branded white gloves are even included with the complete tool kit for the new owner to enjoy.
What the options list does not include is the very feature that makes this example so special today—the six-speed manual transmission. As noted by evo magazine in their Buying Guide for the 599, an estimated 95% of owners opted for the F1 package, a scant figure which no doubt underlined the difficulty of a future business case for the manual transmission. Today, the world-famous prancing horse brand has only helped to buoy the values of the relatively few modern supercars lucky enough to be specified with gated manual transmissions by officially stating in 2011 that they will build no more.
And the final, most important figure, sure to be included in the famous Ferrari numerals mentioned in our introduction, is the total production of 599 GTB Fiorano sports cars with manual transmissions: A mere thirty. Only twenty of those were imported into North America.
As a result, examples like this 599 GTB Fiorano are not often found among 21st century supercars, and therefore highly coveted. For those who wish to experience the feeling of accessing 612 horsepower from the 6.0-litre, Tipo F140 C/CE V-12 engine shown above through all six gears, this is your rare opportunity.
